SİMİT

TURKISH STYLE BAGEL

Simit means a lot for Turks. If you are outside and hungry and have limited time to eat, simit is always the first and the best choice. You can see them sold by hawker on the streets of Turkey or in a fancy "Simit Houses." It is much more tastier, if you have a slice of feta cheese and a cup of Turkish tea with it.

Since I am not in Turkey, I have to do it by myself.

Ingredients:

Dough:

• 1/2 tbsp of instant yeast
• 3/4 cups of warm water
• 2 cups of all purpose flour
• 1 tsp of salt 

Topping:

• 4 tbsp of grape molasses
• 2 tbsp of water
• 2 cups of roasted sesame seeds

Mix yeast, flour, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add warm water and knead them all together with your hands until becoming dough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Keep the bowl in a warm place( not hot) for quick rising and let it rest until the dough rises to double its size. Take the bowl and knead the dough again until it is bubble free. Place the dough onto counter top and cut it into 12 pieces. Give each of them a shape of long roll (like 8 inches).Take two of long rolls and twist them around. Bring the ends together. It will look like a bagel.
Meanwhile, mix grape molasses and water with a whisk in a large mixing bowl. Take sesame seeds in a large plate. Dip simits into this liquid and drain the remaining liquid. Dip them into sesame seeds. Place them in a greased baking sheet.
Preheat the oven to 350F. Let simits rise for 20 minutes. Bake for 25 minutes, or until simits become a golden brown color and crispy.